Fig. 6

Differential expression of inflammatory markers using immunohistochemistry in the trigeminocervical complex of mTBI mice. a Representative images from sham and mTBI mice showing immunostaining for CD68 in Iba1 + cells in the caudal Sp5C (Bregma coordinate ~ -8.6) and (b) the rostral Sp5C (Bregma coordinate ~ -8.1). c Increased CD68/Iba1 + cell count, most notable in the fiber tracts and in the gracile nucleus of mTBI mice. d and e Increased CD68 intensity within Iba1 + cells in the Sp5C of mTBI mice compared to the sham group. n = 10–15 cells/section; n = 3 mice /group. Abbreviations: Cu—cuneate nucleus; Gr—gracile nucleus; IRt—Intermediate reticular nucleus; Mdv—Medullary reticular nucleus, ventral part; py—pyramidal tract; sc—spinocerebellar tract; Sp5c (MDH)—spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (medullary dorsal horn); ts—tectospinal tract. *, p < 0.05, **, p < 0.01, ***, p < 0.001 and ****, p < 0.0001. (n = 5–6/group, Mean ± SEM)